African Union requests Gabon, Niger to give clear, brief timeline for transition

The African Union, AU, Thursday doubled down on its call for a swift return to constitutional order in Gabon and Niger following the recent military coups in the two countries.

The fresh call came from the AU Peace and Security Council following its latest meeting on the situation in the two countries.

A junta deposed on July 26 Niger’s elected leader Mohamed Bazoum. It has since held power and appointed a Prime Minister and alluded to a three-year transition.

In Gabon, another junta deposed on August 30 President Ali Bongo Ondimba following August 26 presidential polls. The coup came after the country’s independent election body announced Ali Bongo winner of the elections. The junta branded the polls rigged.

The junta leader General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema was inaugurated on September 04 as The Transitional President but there has been no clear timeline for the transition.

“The AU Peace & Security council reaffirmed zero-tolerance for unconstitutional change of government and renewed its call for a swift return to constitutional order in both States,” the AU Political Affairs, Peace and Security Department said in an update via social media.

On Niger, the council reiterated its demand for an immediate and unconditional release of President Bazoum and all other detainees and respect for their human rights, including the protection of their physical health and moral integrity.

Bazoum and his family have been under house arrest at the presidency of the West African country. The junta last week indicated that it foiled an escape attempt by Bazoum.

The Addis Ababa-based organization has suspended both countries after the coups.